13 TBS-linked suspects arrested in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen people allegedly linked to the True Brown Style (TBS) group have been arrested in Metro Manila since August 2024 as police intensify their crackdown on the group over its alleged recruitment of minors for criminal activities.

Police records showed that two of the arrests were made in 2024, four in 2025 and seven this year.

Read: DILG goes after crime gang recruiting minors

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Six arrests were made in the Southern Police District, four in the Manila Police District, two in the Quezon City Police District and one in the Northern Police District.

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The 13 suspects were allegedly linked to 21 offenses, including firearms violations, illegal gambling, kidnapping or illegal detention and drug-related offenses. Other alleged offenses included theft, homicide, trafficking in persons, cybercrime, violations of the Anti-Hazing Law, child abuse and grave coercion.

NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said police would continue tracking down TBS members involved in illegal activities and those who recruit or influence young people to commit crimes.

“Our children should never be used as tools for criminal activities,” Abrahano said.

He said the NCRPO was strengthening intelligence gathering, community engagement and coordination to protect minors exposed to criminal groups.

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“We will pursue those who exploit children and ensure that our young people are protected from criminal influence,” he said.

Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said TBS was mostly composed of people in their late teens and early 20s who allegedly recruit children as young as 14 or 15 and groom them for criminal activities. /ja